“From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year,” a TV host who faced pressure from the Trump administration would declare. The US comedian is urging UK audiences to defend free speech after his late-night show was momentarily canceled due to pressure from Donald Trump’s administration.
Jimmy Kimmel will compare the first year of Trump’s second term to the development of fascism in a defiant alternative Christmas message on Channel 4.
Kimmel will remark, “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year,” while seated next to a platter of jammy dodger biscuits and a cup of tea.
Additionally, he is anticipated to caution that press freedom can be swiftly curtailed and exhort viewers in the UK to oppose attacks on free speech.
In September, Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was stopped indefinitely after he said that Trump’s political movement was taking advantage of Charlie Kirk’s death. Former President Trump applauded the suspension, which followed White House pressure on broadcaster ABC and its parent corporation, Disney.
Only a few days after the judgment, Kimmel returned on the air due to criticism from viewers, other late-night shows, and proponents of free speech.
Kimmel is anticipated to honor individuals who opposed his suspension in his alternate Christmas address. “He says the reason he is back on air is because people spoke out and protested,” according to a Channel 4 insider.
During his final monologue of the year, Kimmel also thanked viewers: “On behalf of all of us at the show, we appreciate your support and enthusiasm. This year, you literally pulled us out of a hole, and we cannot thank you enough.”
He emphasized the importance of highlighting dissent against the Trump administration to the world, saying: “It’s important that we as Americans let our friends in other countries know that many of us are not OK with what is happening. There is still much more good in this country than bad, and we hope you will bear with us during this extended psychotic episode.”
Kimmel’s alternative Christmas message will air on Christmas Day at 5:45 pm, less than two hours after the King’s traditional message.
A Channel 4 spokesperson noted: “Donald Trump’s return to the White House and his global impact has defined 2025. There is no better person to address it than Jimmy Kimmel, who has been on the frontline of America’s free speech battle.”
Channel 4 has a 30-year tradition of broadcasting provocative alternative Christmas speeches, featuring figures such as former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whistleblower Edward Snowden, Marge Simpson, and the late high priest of camp Quentin Crisp.
